Pedal and cleat assembly

ABSTRACT

A pedal and cleat assembly comprises a pedal body having a first end and a second end, a first retainer mounted proximate the first end of the pedal body, and a second retainer mounted proximate the second end of the pedal body. The cleat assembly is configured to be releaseably coupled to the pedal assembly and comprises a cleat body having at least one coupling area, and at least one element shaped to be maintained within or disposed on the coupling area. The at least one coupling area is positioned at a forward or rearward end of the cleat body so that the at least one element can act as a cam surface against the first or second retainer. The at least one element is configured to rotate or articulate when maintained within or disposed on the coupling area to facilitate releasing the cleat assembly from the pedal assembly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/828,782,filed on Mar. 14, 2013, the entire contents of which are hereinincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to an improved pedal and cleat assemblyand, more particularly, to pedal and cleat assemblies incorporatingfeatures which permit the ready engagement and release of the pedal andcleat under a variety of environmental conditions.

BACKGROUND

Clipless pedals (also known as “clip-in” or “step-in” pedals) require acleat fitted to the sole of a rider's shoe, which locks to the pedal andthus holds the shoe firmly to the pedal. Clipless pedals take a varietyof forms and are typically adapted for the demands of a particular typeof cycling, such as road cycling and off-road or mountain biking.

Among the myriad of features desired for clipless pedals, the ability toreadily engage the cleat to the pedal and to subsequently release thecleat from the pedal is important both for cycling efficiency andsafety. The ability to readily release the cleat from the pedal isperhaps a more important factor in ensuring the safety of the rider, asit permits the rider to put one or both feet on the ground to maneuverthe bike or to avoid a fall. The normal environmental conditions towhich bicycles, and particularly off-road or mountain bikes, aresubjected often compromise the ability to release the cleats from thepedal on demand.

What is therefore needed is an improved cleat and pedal assembly thatpermits the ready engagement and release of the pedal and cleat under avariety of environmental conditions.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various embodiments of a cleat and pedal assembly are described hereinwhich provide for reliable and ready engagement and release of the cleatand pedal assemblies. Clipless pedals, and particularly clipless pedalsmade for off-road use, are often designed with relatively small cleatparts that are mounted within a small recessed cavity, typically builtinto the shoe's sole. Because the cleats are relatively small, thecontacting surfaces of the cleat and pedal assemblies are under highstress, high load and high friction during use and during the engagementand release. Given the high demands and forces applied to theserelatively small parts, it is important that the contacting areasbetween the cleat and the pedals be made of materials that are resistantto wear and tear and also resistant to seizing. Thus, clipless pedalsfor off-road use are desirably made of a material that is not onlysufficiently strong to withstand the mechanical stresses, but that alsopermits the reliable engagement and release functions under a variety ofenvironmental conditions (e.g., wet, dirty, etc.). Metals, such hashardened steel, brass and, to a lesser degree, aluminum and plastic,have been employed in the contacting surfaces of the cleat and pedalassemblies with varying levels of success.

Metals, particularly hardened steel, has proven to be the preferredmaterial for use in these contacting surfaces. The inventor hasrecognized, however, that metallic contact surfaces of cleat and pedalassemblies may “seize” or “cold-weld” to create an undesired adhesionbetween the metal contact surfaces and thus prevent the requiredrelative sliding of the two surfaces to allow the cleat to release fromthe pedal. In other words, the coefficient of friction between thecontacting surfaces (especially when subjected to water and dirt)increases to the point where there is “adhesive friction” between thecontacting surfaces of the cleat and the pedal. This, in turn,interferes with the rider's ability to disengage from the pedals,thereby creating a dangerous situation for the rider.

One solution, as recognized by the inventor, is to employ materials ofdifferent hardness for the contacting surfaces of the cleat and pedalassembly involved in the engagement and release of the cleat to thepedal. In a preferred embodiment, at least one, if not both, of thecontacting surfaces is made of a material, preferably a non-metallicmaterial or a ceramic, having a measure of hardness that is greater thanhardened steel. Carbides are a particularly preferred choice ofmaterial. Carbides are not only extremely durable and resistant to wearand corrosion, they maintain a low coefficient of friction under avariety of conditions and will not seize or cold weld with othermetallic or carbide surfaces.

In one preferred embodiment, a pedal and cleat assembly is described.One of the pedal or cleat assembly comprises first and second retainersconfigured to be biased to an engagement position for coupling the otherone of the pedal or cleat assembly. The other one of the pedal or cleatassembly comprises first and second portions configured to be releasablysecured by the first and second retainers in the engagement position.The second portion has first and second urging surfaces. Either one orboth of the first and second retainers are urged to a yielding positionto permit the first and second portion to be secured by the first andsecond retainers upon application of a first force or contact by oneupon the other of the first urging surface and an outer surface of thesecond retainer. Either one or both of the first and second retainer areconfigured to be urged to the yielding position to permit the securedsecond portion to be released from the second retainer upon applicationof a second force or contact by one upon the other of the second urgingsurface and a lateral surface of the second retainer. At least one ofthe second urging surface and the lateral surface of the second retaineris made of a material having a measure of hardness that is greater thanhardened steel.

In accordance with a first aspect, the material comprises carbide, andpreferably selected from the group consisting of: silicon carbide, boroncarbide, tungsten carbide, and titanium carbide.

In accordance with a second aspect, one of the second urging surface andthe lateral surface of the second retainer is made of a materialcomprising carbide and the other one of the second urging surface andthe lateral surface is made of a material comprising a metal.Preferably, the metal is hardened steel.

In accordance with a third aspect, both the second urging surface andthe lateral surface of the second retainer are made of a carbide.

In accordance with a fourth aspect, the lateral surface is radiused,beveled or curved and the second urging surface has a surface that iscomplementary to the lateral surface.

In accordance with a fifth aspect, the first and second retainers areprovided on the pedal assembly and the first and second portions areprovided on the cleat assembly.

In accordance with a sixth aspect, the first and second retainers arebiased to an engagement position.

In a second preferred embodiment, another type of pedal and cleatassembly is described. One of the pedal or cleat assembly comprises aretainer portion configured to be biased to an engagement position toreleasably secure an engagement portion disposed on the other one of thepedal or cleat assembly. The engagement portion comprises first andsecond urging surfaces. The retainer portion is configured to be urgedto a yielding position to permit the engagement portion to be secured bythe retainer portion upon application of a first force or contact by oneupon the other of the first urging surface and an outer surface of theretainer portion. The retainer portion is configured to be urged to theyielding position to permit release of the engagement portion from theretainer portion upon application of second force or contact by one uponthe other of the second urging surface and a lateral surface of theretainer portion. At least one of the second urging surface and thelateral surface of the retainer portion is made of a material having ameasure of hardness that is greater than hardened steel.

In accordance with a first aspect, the material comprises carbide, andpreferably selected from the group consisting of: silicon carbide, boroncarbide, tungsten carbide, and titanium carbide.

In accordance with a second aspect, one of the second urging surface andthe lateral surface of the retainer portion is made of a materialcomprising carbide and the other one of the second urging surface andthe lateral surface of the retainer portion is made of a materialcomprising a metal. Preferably, the metal is hardened steel.

In accordance with a third aspect, both the second urging surface andthe lateral surface of the retainer portion are made of a carbide.

In accordance with a fourth aspect, the retainer portion is resilientlybiased to the engagement position.

In a third preferred embodiment, yet another type of pedal and cleatassembly is described. One of the pedal or cleat assembly comprises aretainer for removably coupling the other one of the pedal or cleatassembly, the retainer comprising a first surface. The other one of thepedal or cleat assembly comprises an engagement portion configured to beremovably coupled to the retainer, the engagement portion having asecond surface. The first and second surfaces are in contact with oneanother when the pedal and cleat assembly are coupled to one another. Atleast one of the first and second surfaces is made from a materialhaving a measure of hardness that is greater than hardened steel.

In accordance with a first aspect, the material comprises carbide, andpreferably one selected from the group consisting of: silicon carbide,boron carbide, tungsten carbide, and titanium carbide.

In accordance with a second aspect, one of the first and second surfacesis made of a material comprising carbide and the other one of the firstand second surfaces is made of a material comprising a metal.Preferably, the metal is hardened steel.

In accordance with a third aspect, both the first and second surfacesare made of a carbide.

In accordance with a fourth aspect, the retainer is a spring movablycoupled to the cleat assembly, and the engagement portion comprises acam insert disposed within the pedal assembly, the spring being made ofa resilient metal and the cam insert being made of a carbide.

In a fourth preferred embodiment, a cleat assembly is described. Thecleat assembly comprises a cleat body having at least one coupling areaand at least one element configured to be maintained within or disposedon the at least one coupling area. The at least one coupling area ispositioned at a forward or rearward end of the cleat body so that the atleast one element can act as a cam surface against a portion of abicycle pedal. The at least one element is configured to rotate orarticulate when maintained within or disposed on the at least onecoupling area to facilitate releasing the cleat assembly from thebicycle pedal.

In accordance with a first aspect, the at last one coupling area is atleast one recess formed thereon and wherein the at least one element isshaped to be received in the at least one recess.

In accordance with a second aspect, the at least one recess comprises atleast two recesses and the at least one element comprises at least twoelements.

In accordance with a third aspect, the at least one element has agenerally cylindrical shape.

In accordance with a fourth aspect, the generally cylindrical shape hasa rounded top edge.

In accordance with a fifth aspect, rotation or articulation of the atleast one element reduces friction between the cleat assembly and thebicycle pedal as the cleat assembly is released from the bicycle pedal.

In accordance with a sixth aspect, rotation or articulation of the atleast one element facilitates pivoting the cleat body with respect tothe bicycle pedal as the cleat assembly is released from the bicyclepedal.

In accordance with a seventh aspect, the at least one element is made ofa material having a measure of hardness that is greater than hardenedsteel.

In accordance with a eighth aspect, the material comprises carbide.

In accordance with an ninth aspect, the carbide is selected from thegroup consisting of silicon carbide, boron carbide, tungsten carbide,and titanium carbide.

In a fifth preferred embodiment, yet another type of pedal and cleatassembly is described. The pedal assembly comprises a pedal body havinga first end and a second end, a first retainer mounted proximate thefirst end of the pedal body, and a second retainer mounted proximate thesecond end of the pedal body. The cleat assembly is configured to bereleaseably coupled to the pedal assembly. The cleat assembly comprisesa cleat body having at least one coupling area and at least one elementshaped to be maintained within or disposed on the at least one couplingarea. The at least one coupling area is positioned at a forward orrearward end of the cleat body so that the at least one element can actas a cam surface against the first or second retainer. The at least oneelement is configured to rotate or articulate when maintained within ordisposed on the at least one recess to facilitate releasing the cleatassembly from the pedal assembly.

In accordance with a first aspect, the at least one coupling area is atleast one recess formed in the cleat body.

In accordance with a second aspect, the at least one recess comprises atleast two recesses, and the at least one element comprises at least twoelements.

In accordance with a third aspect, the at least one element has agenerally cylindrical shape. The generally cylindrical shape has arounded top edge. Articulation or rotation of the at least one elementreduces friction between the cleat assembly and the pedal assembly asthe cleat assembly is released from the pedal assembly. This facilitatespivoting the cleat body with respect to the pedal body as the cleatassembly is released from the pedal assembly.

In accordance with a fourth aspect, the at least one element is made ofa material having a measure of hardness that is greater than hardenedsteel.

In accordance with a fifth aspect, the material comprises carbide. Thecarbide is selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide, boroncarbide, tungsten carbide, and titanium carbide.

In a sixth preferred embodiment, a cleat assembly configured forattachment to the underside of a shoe for coupling engagement of theshoe to a bicycle pedal is provided. The cleat assembly comprises acleat defining one or more pedal contact areas configured to be infacing opposition to a pedal surface. The one or more pedal contactareas each comprise at least a cleat portion that is made of a materialhaving a measure of hardness that is greater than hardened steel.

In accordance with a first aspect, the one or more pedal contact areasis substantially planar.

In accordance with a second aspect, the one or more pedal contact areaeach comprises a shaped recess and the cleat portion is an elementpositionable within the shaped recess and substantially flush with thepedal contact area.

In accordance with a third aspect, the pedal contact area is positionedon the cleat to contact the pedal surface along a spindle axis.

In accordance with a fourth aspect, the pedal contact area is positionedon opposing sides of the cleat assembly to contact the surface on thebicycle pedal at both inboard and outboard locations along the spindleaxis.

In accordance with a fifth aspect, the pedal contact area is locatedproximate one or both of a forward edge and a rear edge of the cleatassembly.

In accordance with a sixth aspect, the material comprises carbide.

In accordance with a seventh aspect, the carbide is selected from thegroup consisting of silicon carbide, boron carbide, tungsten carbide,and titanium carbide.

In a seventh preferred embodiment, a pedal assembly configured forattaching a cleat assembly disposed on the underside of a shoe forcoupling engagement of the pedal assembly to the shoe is provided. Thepedal assembly comprises a pedal body having one or more substantiallyplanar surfaces. The planar surface(s) comprises a cleat contact areaconfigured to be in facing opposition to a cleat. The cleat contact areacomprises at least a pedal portion that is made of a material having ameasure of hardness that is greater than hardened steel.

In accordance with a first aspect, the one or more cleat contact areacomprises a shaped recess and the pedal portion is an elementpositionable within the shaped recess and substantially flush with thecleat contact area.

In accordance with a second aspect, the cleat contact area is positionedalong a spindle axis of the pedal assembly.

In accordance with a third aspect, the cleat contact area is positionedon inboard and outboard locations along the spindle axis.

In accordance with a fourth aspect, the material comprises carbide.

In accordance with a fifth aspect, the carbide is selected from thegroup consisting of silicon carbide, boron carbide, tungsten carbide,and titanium carbide.

In an eighth preferred embodiment, a pedal and cleat assembly isdescribed. The pedal and cleat assembly comprises a pedal body having acleat contact area and a cleat body configured for coupling engagementwith the pedal body. The cleat body has a pedal contact area in facingopposition to the cleat contact area. Coupling engagement of the cleatbody to the pedal body causes respective portions of the cleat and pedalcontact areas to be in direct physical contact. Either one or both ofthe respective portions of the cleat or pedal contact areas is made of amaterial having a measure of hardness that is greater than hardenedsteel.

In accordance with a first aspect, the portion of the cleat assembly ismade of the material having a measure of hardness that is greater thanhardened steel.

In accordance with a second aspect, the portion of the pedal assembly ismade of the material having a measure of hardness that is greater thanhardened steel.

In accordance with a third aspect, both the portions of the pedal andcleat assembly is made of the material having a measure of hardness thatis greater than hardened steel.

In accordance with a fourth aspect, the portions are located along aspindle axis of the pedal assembly.

In accordance with a fifth aspect, the material comprises carbide.

In accordance with a sixth aspect, the carbide is selected from thegroup consisting of silicon carbide, boron carbide, tungsten carbide,and titanium carbide.

Other objects, features and advantages of the described preferredembodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description. It is to be understood, however, thatthe detailed description and specific examples, while indicatingpreferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way ofillustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications withinthe scope of the present invention may be made without departing fromthe spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and non-limiting embodiments of the inventions may be morereadily understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a pedaland cleat assembly.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cleat assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pedal and cleat assembly of FIG. 1coupled together in secure engagement.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate the coupled pedal and cleat assembly and therelease of the cleat assembly from the pedal assembly.

FIGS. 5A-5B are top perspective views of yet another embodiment of acleat assembly.

FIG. 6A is a top plan view of the cleat assembly of FIGS. 5A-B.

FIG. 6B is a bottom plan view of the cleat assembly of FIGS. 5A-B.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of apedal and cleat assembly.

FIGS. 8A-8B are perspective views of the two sides of the assembledpedal and cleat assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8C is a top plan view of the assembled pedal and cleat assembly ofFIG. 8B.

FIG. 9A-9B are exploded perspective views of the two sides of the cleatassembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the pedal assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the engagement of the spring of the cleatassembly and the cam member disposed in the pedal assembly.

FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of a further embodiment of a cleatassembly, showing two shaped elements received in correspondingly shapedrecesses formed on a cleat body.

FIG. 12B is a top perspective view of the cleat assembly of FIG. 12A,omitting the two shaped elements to show the shaped recesses formed onthe cleat body.

FIG. 12C is a bottom plan view of the cleat assembly of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 12D is a left-side elevation view of the cleat assembly of FIG.12A.

FIG. 12E is a top plan view of the cleat assembly of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a ring-shapedcleat body.

FIG. 13B is a bottom perspective view of the cleat body of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13C is a top plan view of the cleat body of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13D is a sectional view of the cleat body of FIG. 13A, taken alongthe line 13D-13D in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13E is another top perspective view of the cleat body of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 13F is a sectional view of the cleat body of FIG. 13A, taken alongthe line 13F-13F in FIG. 13E.

FIG. 13G is a bottom plan view of the cleat body of FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cylindrical elementfor a cleat assembly.

FIG. 14B is a side elevation view of the cylindrical element of FIG.14A.

FIG. 14C is a top plan view of the cylindrical element of FIG. 14A, thebottom plan view being the same as the top plan view.

FIG. 15A is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a pedalassembly and the cleat contact elements.

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the pedal assembly of FIG. 15A withthe cleat contact elements secured thereon.

FIG. 15C is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a cleatassembly and the pedal contact elements, the cleat assemblycorresponding to the pedal assembly of FIGS. 15A-15B.

FIG. 15D is a perspective view of the cleat assembly of FIG. 15A withthe pedal contact elements secured thereon.

FIG. 16A is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a pedalassembly and the cleat contact elements.

FIG. 16B is a perspective view of the pedal assembly of FIG. 16A withthe cleat contact elements secured thereon.

FIG. 16C is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a cleatassembly and the pedal contact elements, the cleat assemblycorresponding to the pedal assembly of FIGS. 16A-16B.

FIG. 16D is a perspective view of the cleat assembly of FIG. 16A withthe pedal contact elements secured thereon.

Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of thedrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Specific, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will now bedescribed with reference to the drawings. It should be understood thatsuch embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative ofbut a small number of embodiments within the scope of the presentinvention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled inthe art to which the present invention pertains are deemed to be withinthe spirit, scope and contemplation of the present invention as furtherdefined in the appended claims.

With reference now to the illustrative drawings, various embodiments ofa bicycle pedal and cleat assembly are described and shown. The cleatassemblies described herein are designed to be secured to the undersideof the sole of a rider's shoe (not shown), and are configured to beattachable to a double- or multi-sided pedal assembly. Because the pedalassembly is accessible from either one of the opposing sides (e.g.,double-sided or multi-sided), the cleat assembly may be releasablysecured to either one of the two sides of the pedal assembly, therebyobviating the need to “right” the pedal before attaching the cleatassembly thereto. In the various embodiments discussed herein, eitherright or left-sided pedal/cleat assemblies are described and illustratedin the drawings, with the understanding that the pedal assemblies aremere mirror images of one another. While the preferred embodimentsencompass double-sided pedal assemblies, it is understood that the pedalassemblies described and depicted herein may also be embodied in a pedalassembly having only a single side or multiple sides (e.g., four sided)configured to releasably secure the cleat assembly.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an embodiment of a pedal and cleat assembly. Thebasic components and assembly of the cleat assembly 200 are similar tothe cleats described in co-pending U.S. Ser. No. 12/917,322, filed Nov.1, 2010, for a Pedal-Cleat Assembly, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein. The cleatassembly 200 generally comprises a generally ring-shaped cleat body 210that defines the forward cleat projection 212 a and the rearward cleatprojection 212 b. The forward and rearward cleat projections 212 a, 212b are sized and configured to engage and to be retained by therespective forward and rearward cleat retainers, 280 a, 280 b of thepedal assembly 250. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the forwardcleat retainer 280 a may be contoured to correspond to the forwardprojection 212 a and, more particularly, to the forward shaped insert220 a. Screws 230 serve to couple together the various components of thecleat assembly 200, such as the cleat body 210, the spacer 240, adisc-shaped body (not shown) and the base plate 232, and the screws 230directly mount these cleat assembly 200 components securely to theunderside of the sole of a rider's shoe (not shown).

The cleat assembly 200 includes additional structure that allows themain cleat body 210, and its forward and rearward projections 212 a, 212b, to rotate by a selected, limited amount relative to the rider's shoeabout a cleat rotation axis that is generally perpendicular to the shoesole, without disengaging the cleat assembly 200 from the pedal assembly250. This provides a float angle, the precise mechanism of which isdescribed in U.S. Ser. No. 12/917,322, published as U.S. Pub. No.2012-0103131 on Apr. 3, 2012 for “Pedal-Cleat Assembly”, the entirecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The pedal assembly 250 is shown to comprise an elongated spindle 270.One end of the elongated spindle 270 is configured to couple with andproject laterally from a bicycle crank (not shown). The other end of theelongated spindle 270 is coupled to a pedal body 260 having identicalupper and lower cleat support bases. The upper cleat support base isdepicted in FIGS. 1 and 3 as comprising a forward cleat retainer 280 aand a rearward cleat retainer 280 b to form a seat for receiving andretaining forward and rearward cleat projections 212 a, 212 b.

Either one or both of the forward and the rearward cleat retainers 280a, 280 b may be pivotally mounted to the pedal body. In the embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 1 and 3, the rearward cleat retainer 280 b is fixedrelative to the cleat body and the forward cleat retainer 280 a ispivotally mounted to and spring-biased toward the rearward cleatretainer 280 b. Controlled adjustability of the amount of spring biasapplied to the forward cleat retainer 280 a is provided by an adjustmentscrew 290. Controllably rotating the adjustment screw 290 effectivelytightens or loosens the spring tension to provides a controlledadjustment of spring tension.

It is understood that the opposite arrangement to the one depicted inFIGS. 1 and 3 may also be provided, in which the forward clear retainer280 a is fixed relative to the cleat body and the rearward cleatretainer 280 b is pivotally mounted to and spring-biased toward theforward cleat retainer 280 a. Alternatively, both the forward andrearward cleat retainers 280 a, 280 b may be pivotally mounted to andspring-biased toward one another.

Referring back to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4, in a preferredembodiment, one of the forward cleat retainer 280 a and the forwardprojection 212 a (and/or forward shaped insert 220 a) is formed ofhardened steel and the other one of the forward cleat retainer 280 a andthe forward projection 212 a (and/or forward shaped insert 220 a) ismade of a material that has a measure of hardness that is greater thanhardened steel. Alternatively or in addition, one of the rearward cleatprojection 212 b (and/or rearward shaped insert 220 b) and the rearwardcleat retainer 280 b is formed of hardened steel and the other one ofthe rearward cleat projection 212 b (and/or rearward shaped insert 220b) and the rearward retainer 280 b is formed of a material that has ameasure of hardness that is greater than hardened steel.

Any one of several measures of hardness may be used to determine therelative hardness of a material vis-à-vis hardened steel, such as Mohs,Vickers, Brinell, etc. Any material characterized as having a measure ofhardness that is greater than hardened steel, regardless of the methodof measurement, may be a suitable material for use in either one or bothof a set of contacting surfaces. For example, hardened steel isgenerally characterized as having a Mohs hardness of about 7.0. Thus,any material having a Mohs hardness greater than 7.0 is suitable for usein either or both of the contacting surfaces.

Non-metals, such as ceramics and, more preferably, carbides representone class of such suitable materials. Carbides are generallycharacterized as having a Mohs hardness of 9 or more and include siliconcarbide, boron carbide, tungsten carbide and titanium carbide. Carbidesare preferable because they are characterized as being extremely hard,non-brittle, resistant to corrosion, and resistant to adhering to othersurfaces in the presence of friction.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the material has a Mohs hardness ofgreater than 7.0 and is made of a non-metal or a carbide, preferablyselected from the group consisting of silicon carbide, boron carbide,tungsten carbide and titanium carbide.

The general principle here is that at least one (if not both) of the twofrictional contacting surfaces involved in either the engagement or therelease of the cleat and pedal assemblies is made of a material that hasa measure of hardness that is greater than hardened steel (e.g., a Mohshardness of greater than 7.0), preferably a non-metal or a carbide,preferably selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide, boroncarbide, tungsten carbide and titanium carbide.

The frictional contacting surfaces involved in the engagement of thecleat and pedal assemblies comprise either or both pairs of (1) theforward cleat projection 212 a (bottom surface or a first urgingsurface) and the facing outer surface of the forward cleat retainer 280a and (2) the rearward cleat projection 212 b (bottom surface 214 or afirst urging surface) and the facing outer surface of the rearward cleatretainer 280 b.

The frictional contacting surfaces involved in the release of the cleatand pedal assembles comprise either or both pairs of: (1) the lateralsurface of the forward cleat projection 212 a and/or its shaped insert220 a (second urging surface) and the lateral surface of the forwardcleat retainer 280 a and (2) the lateral surface of the rearward cleatprojection 212 b and/or its shaped insert 220 b (second urging surface)and the later surface 282 of the rearward cleat retainer 280 b.

One application of this general principle is the avoidance of havingboth of the contacting surfaces of the same metallic material so as toavoid the problem of seizing, creating a cold weld or an adhesivesurface between the two metals. In addition, the contacting surfacesmust be of sufficient strength and durability to resist wear and tear.

The rearward cleat projection 212 b of the cleat assembly 200 isdepicted as comprising beveled first urging surface 214, shaped tofacilitate engagement of the rearward projection 212 b as the firsturging surface 214 contacts and applies a downward force or contact uponthe outer surface of the rearward retainer 280 b (in a directionperpendicular to axis A). This corresponds to the first force or contactby the first urging surface 214 upon the outer surface of the rearwardretainer 280 b to urge either one or both of the forward and rearwardcleat retainers 280 a, 280 b to a yielding position to permit theforward and rearward projections 212 a, 212 b to be secured by theforward and rearward cleat retainers 280 a, 280 b.

In the pedal assembly 250 depicted in FIGS. 1-4, only the forward cleatretainer 280 a is moveable to provide the forward and rearward cleatretainers 280 a, 280 b in the yielding position. At least one of theabutting surfaces of the rearward cleat projection 212 b and therearward cleat retainer 280 b are appropriately beveled or radiused,such that a downward pressure (in the direction perpendicular to A)forces the forward cleat retainer 280 a in a forward direction againstthe yielding bias of the retaining portion. Once the rearward cleatprojection 212 b clears and snaps into position beneath the rearwardcleat retainer 280 b, the forward cleat retainer 280 a spring biases andreturns to an engagement state.

Again, at least one, if not both, of the first urging surface 214 and/orthe outer surface of the rearward cleat retainer 280 b is made of amaterial that is harder than hardened steel and, more preferably, ismade of a carbide material.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the rearward projection 212 b comprises apair of shaped inserts 220 b to couple to correspondingly shapedrecesses 224 b formed on the opposing side of the beveled first urgingsurface 214 and contained within a cavity formed by the edge of therearward projection 212 b and the underside of the sole of the rider'sshoe (not shown) to which the cleat assembly 200 is coupled. The shapedinserts 220 b act as a cam surface for actuating the pedal assembly 250and, more precisely, the forward and rearward cleat retainers 280 a, 280b from an engagement position to a yielding position. The shaped inserts220 b are preferably made from a material that has a measure of hardnessthat is greater than hardened steel and, more preferably, of a carbidematerial. This permits a portion of the rearward retainer 280 b to bemade either of carbide or other appropriate material.

FIGS. 4A-4B depict the sequence of releasing the rear projection 212 b(FIG. 4B) from a coupled cleat and pedal assembly (FIG. 4A). As can beseen in FIG. 4A, the lateral surfaces of the forward and rearward shapedinserts 220 a, 220 b act as a cam surface to permit disengagement of thesecured or engaged cleat assembly from the pedal assembly by forciblyurging either one or both of the forward and reward retainers away fromone another upon rotation of the cleat assembly 200 along the clockwiseor counterclockwise direction B. Either one or both of the forward andrearward retainers 280 a, 280 b are configured to be urged to theyielding position to permit the secured forward and rearward projections212 a, 212 b to be released upon the application of a second force orcontact in the direction B by one upon the other of the second urgingsurface represented by the rearward shaped inserts 220 b and a lateralsurface of the rearward retainer 280 b.

The rearward retainer 280 b has shaped edges 282 b which correspond tothe contacting edges of the shaped inserts 220 b. The shaped inserts 220b are angled such that a pivoting force or motion applied in either oneof the direction B causes cam surfaces on the cleat assembly's forwardcleat projection 220 a and rearward cleat projection 220 b to forciblyurge the respective forward and rearward cleat retainers 280 a, 280 b toa yielding position, apart from each other in the direction shown in A,against the yielding bias of the springs in the opposite direction.Eventually, the two cleat retainers 280 a, 280 b will be sufficientlyspaced apart to release their retention of the two projections 212 a,212 b. This releases the cleat assembly 200 from the pedal assembly 250.

In order to accommodate the rotational movement B of the cleat assembly200 relative to the pedal assembly 250 in this process of release, theforward shaped insert 220 a may be curved or semi-circular. In apreferred embodiment, either one or both of the forward shaped insert220 a and at least a contacting surface of the forward cleat retainer282 a is made of a carbide. In a preferred embodiment, very closetolerances are provided between the contacting surfaces of the shapedinserts 220 a, 220 b and the contacting surfaces of the forward andrearward retainers, 282 a, 282 b, respectively. In the embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 1-4, the forward shaped insert 220 a has a radiusedsurface that contacts a corresponding surface 282 a of the forward cleatretainer 280 a. The rearward shaped insert 220 b has an angled surfacethat contacts a corresponding angled surface 282 b of the rearward cleatretainer 280 b.

FIGS. 5-6 depict yet another embodiment of a cleat assembly 300. As withthe cleat assembly 200 depicted and described with respect to FIGS. 3-6,the cleat assembly 300 of FIGS. 5-6 comprises a cleat body 310, a spacer340, a disc-shaped body (not shown) and a base plate 332 that is securedtogether and to the underside of the shoe's sole (not shown) by a pairof screws 330. The rearward projection 312 b also comprises a beveledfirst urging surface 314. The cleat assembly 300 may be used in the samemanner as the cleat assembly 200 in connection with the pedal assembly250 depicted in FIGS. 1-4. Thus, the cleat assembly 300 may beinterchangeable with the cleat assembly 200 with respect to the pedalassembly 250 depicted in FIGS. 1-4.

The cleat assembly 300 depicted in FIGS. 5-6, however, differs fromcleat assembly 200 with respect to the configuration of the forward andrearward projections 312 a, 312 b. First, the forward projection 312 adoes not comprise a shaped insert and second, the rearward projection312 b comprises a single shaped insert 320 that covers the three lateralsides of the cavity 322 b defined by the rearward projection 312 b. Theabutting surfaces of the shaped insert 320 and the rearward projection312 b are shaped (see FIG. 5B at 323, 325) so as to securely fix theshaped insert 320 within correspondingly shaped portions within thecavity 322 a. It is understood that the rearward retainer 280 thatengages and couples the cleat assembly 300 is shaped to fit in thecavity 322 b that is defined by the shaped insert 320 that is fittedwithin the rearward projection 312 b. In a preferred embodiment, therearward retainer 280 b is shaped to form close tolerances with theabutting surfaces 321 of the insert 320.

Thus, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the pedal assembly 250 isdescribed as comprising the forward and rearward retainers 280 a, 280 band the cleat assembly 200 is described as comprising the forward andrearward projections 212 a, 212 b. It is understood, however, that therespective mechanisms be switched such that the pedal assembly 250comprise the forward and rearward projections 212 a, 212 b and cleatassembly 200 comprise the forward and rearward retainers 280 a, 280 b.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5-6, the cleat assembly's firsturging surface 314 and the pedal assembly's rearward cleat retainer 280b are forcibly contacted with one another to effectuate an engagement ofthe cleat and pedal assemblies. The engaged cleat assembly 200 may bereleased from the pedal assembly 250 by rotating the cleat assembly 200in the direction B relative to the pedal assembly 250 such that aforcible contact is made between the lateral surface 321 of the cleatassembly's shaped insert 320 and the edge surface 282 b of the rearwardcleat retainer 280 b upon a rotational movement along B to effectuate arelease of the cleat and pedal assemblies.

In order to ensure that the mechanism of engagement and release of thecleat assembly to the pedal assembly occurs smoothly and withoutsignificant disruption, at least one of the two sets of contactingsurfaces, the first of which comprise the first urging surface 314 andthe outer surface 280 b, and the second one of which comprise the cleatassembly's shaped insert 320 and the edge surface 282 b of the rearwardcleat retainer 280 b, are preferably made of a material havingsufficient strength to withstand the repeated application of force and asufficiently low coefficient of friction to permit the smooth relativesliding of the contact surfaces. Significantly, the material must retainthese properties under a variety of conditions, e.g., when it is wet ordirty.

In a preferred embodiment, either one or both of the sliding contactingsurfaces is/are made of a material having a measure of hardness that isgreater than hardened steel. Any one of several measures of hardness maybe used to determine the relative hardness of a material vis-à-vishardened steel, such as Mohs, Vickers, Brinell, etc. Any materialcharacterized as having a measure of hardness that is greater thanhardened steel, regardless of the method of measurement, may be asuitable material for use in either one or both of a set of contactingsurfaces. For example, hardened steel is generally characterized ashaving a Mohs hardness of about 7.0. Thus, any material having a Mohshardness greater than 7.0 is suitable for use in either or both of thecontacting surfaces.

Non-metals, such as ceramics and, more preferably, carbides representone class of such suitable materials. Carbides are generallycharacterized as having a Mohs hardness of 9 or more and include siliconcarbide, boron carbide, tungsten carbide and titanium carbide. Carbidesare preferable because they are characterized as being extremely hard,non-brittle, resistant to corrosion, and resistant to adhering to othersurfaces in the presence of friction.

Referring now to the particular embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5-6, theshaped insert 320 is preferably made of a material having a measure ofhardness that is greater than hardened steel, and preferably a carbidematerial, and the remainder of the rearward projection 312 b is made ofa metal, preferably hardened steel.

Generally, either one or both of the shaped insert 320 and/or the secondcleat retainer 280 b is/are made of a material that has a hardnessgreater than hardened steel. In embodiments where only one of the twocontacting surfaces is made of carbide, it is preferably the shapedinsert 320. The other one of the two contacting surfaces may be made ofa suitable metal or plastic, preferably hardened steel.

FIGS. 7-11 depict a further embodiment of a cleat and pedal assembly400, 450. The cleat assembly 400 includes a base plate 410, preferablymade of a lightweight material such as plastic, configured to be securedto the shoe's sole (not shown) by screws 440 extending through threeelongated openings. The cleat assembly 400 further includes a springhousing 420, preferably made of plastic, and a bottom plate 430,preferably made of a metal, such as aluminum or steel, which are securedtogether by four screws 422 to the base plate 410. The spring housing420 and the bottom plate 430 together define a circular central opening(see FIGS. 9A-9B) sized and shaped to receive a portion of the pedalassembly 450. A spring or retainer portion 490 is mounted between thespring housing 420 and the bottom plate 430 for releasably engaging thepedal assembly 450 when the cleat assembly 400 is positioned over thepedal assembly 450.

The pedal assembly 450 is generally disk-shaped and symmetrical along abisecting plane, defining an upper side (engaged to the cleat 400) andan identical lower side (not engaged to the cleat 400 and designated by‘). This configuration permits the cleat to be releasably attached toeither side of the pedal. The pedal 450 includes a disk-shaped pedalbody 472 for attachment to a pedal crank (not shown) via a spindle 470.A planar, bow-tie shaped insert 460 is located within anidentically-shaped shallow recess formed in the pedal body's outerplanar surface and secured to the pedal body 472 by screws 462. Theinsert 460 extends diametrically across the entire outer surface and theinsert's upper surface is coplanar with the pedal body's outer surface.

Engagement edges 484 a, 484 b in the form of recesses are defined in thepedal body 472 beneath the opposite ends 482 a, 482 b of the planarinserts 460. The engagement edges 484 a, 484 b are configured and sizedto be engaged by portions of the cleat assembly 400 to releasably secureit to the pedal assembly 450. Cam inserts 480 a and 480 b are locatedbeneath the respective opposite ends 482 a, 482 b and secured withinsimilarly shaped recesses 481 a, 481 b. The cam inserts 480 a and 480 bare confined within these similarly shaped recesses by securement of theoverlying planar inserts 460 and cooperate with the spring 490 of thecleat assembly 400 to facilitate a convenient release of the cleatassembly 400 from the pedal assembly 450.

FIG. 11 illustrates the relationship between the spring 490 and the caminserts 480 a, 480 b when the cleat assembly 400 is coupled to the pedalassembly 450. The horseshoe shaped spring 490 is depicted here as beingin the engagement position, to which it is resiliently biased, andcomprises a forward and rearward leg 492 a, 492 b configured to engagethe pedal assembly 450 beneath the opposite ends 482 a, 482 b,respectively. In particular, the inward projections 494 a, 494 b of theforward and rearward legs 492 a, 492 b, respectively, are received incorrespondingly shaped recesses of the cam inserts 480 a, 480 b. Afterthe spring 490 is engaged with the cam inserts 480 a, 480 b of the pedalassembly 450, the cleat assembly 400 is free to rotate relative to thepedal to a limited extent in both the clockwise and counterclockwisedirections. During this limited rotation, the spring 490 remains lockedto the pedal assembly 450 and the remainder of the cleat assembly 400rotates relative to the spring 490. The amount of rotation may belimited when a finger 498 projecting outwardly from the spring'smid-point reaches one of two adjustable screw sets 424 a, 424 b. Thefloat angle is increased or decreased by adjusting the screws.

The underside of the spring's inward projections 494 a, 494 b defines afirst spring urging surface that contacts the opposite ends 482 a, 482b, respectively, of the pedal assembly 450 before the cleat assembly 400is secured to the pedal assembly 450. In a preferred embodiment, thecontacting surfaces of the first spring urging surfaces and the pedalassembly's opposite ends 482 a, 482 b are shaped to facilitate thesliding movement of the spring 490 across the opposite ends 482 a, 482 band to urge the forward and rearward legs 492 a, 492 b apart to a springyielding position. To that end, the contacting surfaces may havecomplementary radiused or angled beveled surfaces. Once the forward andrearward legs 492 a, 492 b clear the opposite ends 482 a, 482 b,respectively, the spring 490 snaps to an engagement position to therebysecure the cleat assembly 400 to the pedal assembly 450.

The spring's inward projections 494 a, 494 b further comprise secondspring urging surfaces 496 defined along the lateral surface. The secondspring urging surfaces 496 are configured and shaped to be receivedwithin the groove defined by the cam inserts 480 a, 480 b to furthersecure the cleat assembly 400 to the pedal assembly 450. Rotation of thecleat assembly 400 relative to the pedal assembly 450, in eitherdirection, causes the second spring urging surfaces 496 to contact thecam inserts 480 a, 480 b and urge the forward and rearward legs 492 a,492 b apart to a spring yielding position. To that end, the contactingsurfaces of the second spring urging surfaces 496 and the cam inserts480 a, 480 b may be shaped to facilitate the movement of the inwardprojections 494 a, 494 b out of the groove defined by the cam inserts480 a, 480 b to urge the forward and rearward legs 492 a, 492 b apart toa yielding position and thereby permit release of the spring 490 andthus the cleat assembly 400 from the pedal assembly 450.

In a preferred embodiment, the spring 490 is made of a durable andresilient material. In a preferred embodiment, the spring 490 is made ofhardened steel and the cam inserts 480 a, 480 b are made of a materialthat has a measure of hardness that is greater than hardened steel(e.g., a Mohs hardness of greater than 7.0), preferably a carbidematerial as described above.

Any one of several measures of hardness may be used to determine therelative hardness of a material vis-à-vis hardened steel, such as Mohs,Vickers, Brinell, etc. Any material characterized as having a measure ofhardness that is greater than hardened steel, regardless of the methodof measurement, may be a suitable material for use in either one or bothof a set of contacting surfaces. For example, hardened steel isgenerally characterized as having a Mohs hardness of about 7.0. Thus,any material having a Mohs hardness greater than 7.0 is suitable for usein either or both of the contacting surfaces.

Non-metals, such as ceramics and, more preferably, carbides representone class of such suitable materials. Carbides are generallycharacterized as having a Mohs hardness of 9 or more and include siliconcarbide, boron carbide, tungsten carbide and titanium carbide. Carbidesare preferable because they are characterized as being extremely hard,non-brittle, resistant to corrosion, and resistant to adhering to othersurfaces in the presence of friction.

FIGS. 12A-12E illustrate an embodiment of a cleat assembly 500 forattachment to a rider's left shoe, the cleat assembly for attachment tothe rider's right shoe being a mirror image of the cleat assembly 500.The cleat assembly 500 comprises a generally ring-shaped cleat body 510that defines a forward cleat projection 512 a and a rearward cleatprojection 512 b. The forward and rearward cleat projections 512 a, 512b are sized and configured to engage and to be retained by therespective forward and rearward cleat retainers, 280 a, 280 b of thepedal assembly 250 (FIG. 1). The forward cleat retainer 280 a may becontoured to correspond to the forward cleat projection 512 a and, moreparticularly, to a forward shaped insert 520 a on the forward cleatprojection 512 a. Screws 530 couple together the various components ofthe cleat assembly 500, such as the cleat body 510, a spacer 540, adisc-shaped body 542, and a base plate 532. The screws 530 directlymount these cleat assembly 500 components securely to the underside ofthe sole of a rider's shoe (not shown).

In a preferred embodiment, one of the forward cleat retainer 280 a andthe forward cleat projection 512 a (and/or the forward shaped insert 520a) is formed of hardened steel, and the other one of the forward cleatretainer 280 a and the forward cleat projection 512 a (and/or theforward shaped insert 520 a) is made of a material that has a measure ofhardness that is greater than that of hardened steel. Alternatively oradditionally, one of the rearward cleat projection 512 b (and/or therearward shaped inserts 520 b, 521 b) and the rearward cleat retainer280 b is formed of hardened steel, and the other one of the rearwardcleat projection 512 b (and/or the rearward shaped inserts 520 b, 521 b)and the rearward cleat retainer 280 b is formed of a material that has ameasure of hardness that is greater than that of hardened steel.

The frictional contacting surfaces involved in the engagement of thecleat and pedal assemblies comprise either or both pairs of: (1) theforward cleat projection 512 a (bottom surface or a first urgingsurface) and the facing outer surface of the forward cleat retainer 280a; and (2) the rearward cleat projection 512 b (bottom surface 514 or afirst urging surface) and the facing outer surface of the rearward cleatretainer 280 b.

The frictional contacting surfaces involved in the release of the cleatand pedal assembles comprise either or both pairs of: (1) the lateralsurface of the forward cleat projection 512 a and/or its shaped element520 a (second urging surface) and the lateral surface of the forwardcleat retainer 280 a; and (2) the lateral surface of the rearward cleatprojection 512 b and/or its shaped element 520 b, 521 b (second urgingsurface) and the lateral surface 282 of the rearward cleat retainer 280b.

The rearward cleat projection 512 b of the cleat assembly 500 comprisesa beveled first urging surface 514, shaped to facilitate engagement ofthe rearward cleat projection 512 b as the first urging surface 514contacts and applies a downward force or contact upon the outer surfaceof the rearward cleat retainer 280 b. This corresponds to the firstforce or contact by the first urging surface 514 upon the outer surfaceof the rearward cleat retainer 280 b to urge either one or both of theforward and rearward cleat retainers 280 a, 280 b to a yielding positionto permit the forward and rearward cleat projections 512 a, 512 b to besecured by the forward and rearward cleat retainers 280 a, 280 b.

The rearward cleat projection 512 b comprises a pair of shaped elements520 b, 521 b received in correspondingly shaped recesses 524 b, 525 bthat are formed on the opposing side of the beveled first urging surface514 and are contained within a cavity formed by an edge of the rearwardcleat projection 512 b and the underside of the sole of the rider's shoe(not shown) to which the cleat assembly 500 is coupled. The shapedelements 520 b, 521 b act as a cam surface for actuating the pedalassembly 250 and, more precisely, the forward and rearward cleatretainers 280 a, 280 b, from an engagement position to a yieldingposition. The shaped elements 520 b, 521 b are preferably made of amaterial that has a measure of hardness that is greater than hardenedsteel and, more preferably, of a carbide material. This permits aportion of the rearward cleat retainer 280 b to be made either ofcarbide or other appropriate material.

FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of the cleat assembly 500, showingthe two shaped elements 520 b, 521 b received in the correspondinglyshaped recesses 524 b, 525 b. FIG. 12B is a top perspective view of thecleat assembly 500, omitting the two shaped elements 520 b, 521 b toshow the shaped recesses 524 b, 525 b. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B,the shaped elements 520 b and the shaped recess 524 b on theinner-release side of the cleat assembly 500 (the left side in FIGS. 12Aand 12B) have a generally triangular shape, similar to the shaped insert220 b and shaped recess 224 b shown in FIG. 2. In contrast, the shapedelements 521 b and the shaped recess 525 b on the outer-release side ofthe cleat assembly 500 (the right side in FIGS. 12A and 12B) have agenerally circular or cylindrical shape.

In one embodiment, the shaped elements 521 b has a generally cylindricalshape with rounded edges. When received in the shaped recess 525 b, thecylindrical elements 521 b is configured to rotate or articulate aboutan axis to facilitate releasing the cleat assembly 500 from a bicyclepedal. The rotation or articulation reduces or eliminates slidingfriction between the shaped elements and the lateral surface 282 of therearward cleat retainer 280 b as the cleat assembly is released from thebicycle pedal. The sliding friction is replaced with rolling resistance,which makes it easier for a rider to pivot the cleat assembly 500 withrespect to a bicycle pedal in order to release the cleat assembly 500from the pedal.

In one embodiment, the cleat assembly 500 has both types of shapedelements 520 b and 521 b. In other embodiments, the cleat assembly 500has two triangular elements 520 b and two correspondingly shapedrecesses 524 b (similar to FIGS. 1-4), or has two cylindrical elements521 b and two correspondingly shaped recesses 525 b.

In one embodiment, a small brass shim surrounds the cylindrical elements521 b to provide better lubrication during rotation or articulation.

FIGS. 13A-13G illustrate an embodiment of a ring-shaped cleat body 610for use in the right-shoe version of the cleat assembly 500. The shapedrecesses 624 b, 625 b correspond to the shaped recesses 524 b, 525 b inFIGS. 12A-12E.

FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate an embodiment of the cylindrical elements 521 bfor the cleat assembly 500. The cylindrical elements comprises a centerportion 592, a top rounded edge 594 and a bottom rounded edge 596. Whenreceived in the shaped recess 525 b (FIG. 12B), the top rounded edge 594engages the lateral surface 282 of the rearward cleat retainer 280 b.

FIGS. 15A-15D depict one embodiment of the pedal and cleat assemblies inwhich the pedal assembly 450 comprises a pedal body 472 having the cleatcontact elements 478 disposed along a spindle axis A-A. The area 474 onthe pedal body corresponding to the spindle axis A-A typicallyexperiences the greatest amount of force applied by a cleat 400 when thecleat 400 is coupled to the pedal body 470. This force is typically thegreatest when a down stroke is applied to the pedal body 472. Thereforethe cleat contact elements 478A and corresponding pedal contact elements478B is provided to reduce the wear experienced by the contacting pedaland cleat surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the cleat contactelements 478A are coupled within recesses 476 disposed on a surface ofthe pedal body 472 along the spindle axis A-A and the pedal contactelements 478B are coupled within recesses 412 of the base plate 410 ofthe cleat assembly 400. When the cleat assembly 400 is coupled to thepedal assembly 450, the cleat contact elements 478A and the pedalcontact elements 478B are in direct contact with one another and protectthe remaining surfaces of the pedal assembly 450 and cleat assembly 400from wear.

FIGS. 16A-16D depict another embodiment of the pedal and cleatassemblies in which the pedal assembly 650 (FIGS. 16C-16D) comprises aforward cleat retainer 680 a and a rearward cleat retainer 680 b toprovide coupling engagement with a forward cleat projection 620 and arearward cleat rejection 622 (FIGS. 16A-16B), respectively. The cleatassembly 600 further comprises inward and outward lateral projections632, 634 formed in the cleat assembly 600 to rest atop inward andoutward support pads 652, 654, respectively. The support pads 652, 654are disposed along a spindle axis A-A. The lateral projections 632, 634comprise recesses 677 which accommodate pedal contact elements 678B.Similarly, the inward and outward support pads 652, 654 similarlycomprise recesses to accommodate cleat contact elements 678A. Thus, whenthe cleat assembly 600 is in coupling engagement with the pedal assembly650, the cleat contact elements 678A are in direct facing and physicalcontact with the pedal contact elements 678B.

In particularly preferred embodiments, one or both of the cleat andpedal contact elements are made of a material that has a measure ofhardness that is greater than hardened steel.

Any one of several measures of hardness may be used to determine therelative hardness of a material vis-à-vis hardened steel, such as Mohs,Vickers, Brinell, etc. Any material characterized as having a measure ofhardness that is greater than hardened steel, regardless of the methodof measurement, may be a suitable material for use in either one or bothof a set of contacting surfaces. For example, hardened steel isgenerally characterized as having a Mohs hardness of about 7.0. Thus,any material having a Mohs hardness greater than 7.0 is suitable for usein either or both of the contacting surfaces.

Non-metals, such as ceramics and, more preferably, carbides representone class of such suitable materials. Carbides are generallycharacterized as having a Mohs hardness of 9 or more and include siliconcarbide, boron carbide, tungsten carbide and titanium carbide. Carbidesare preferable because they are characterized as being extremely hard,non-brittle, resistant to corrosion, and resistant to adhering to othersurfaces in the presence of friction.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the material has a Mohs hardness ofgreater than 7.0 and is made of a non-metal or a carbide, preferablyselected from the group consisting of silicon carbide, boron carbide,tungsten carbide and titanium carbide.

The general principle here is that at least one (if not both) of the twopedal and cleat contact surfaces, which represent the contact pointbetween the pedal and cleat assemblies, is/are made of a material thathas a measure of hardness that is greater than hardened steel (e.g., aMohs hardness of greater than 7.0), preferably a non-metal or a carbide,preferably selected from the group consisting of silicon carbide, boroncarbide, tungsten carbide and titanium carbide.

The invention described and claimed herein is not to be limited in scopeby the specific preferred embodiments disclosed herein, as theseembodiments are intended as illustrations of several aspects of theinvention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition tothose shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilledin the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are alsointended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

The following patent publications are incorporated herein by referencein their entireties: U.S. Pat. No. 7,877,904, issued Feb. 1, 2011, U.S.Pat. No. 7,472,498, issued Jan. 6, 2009, U.S. Pat. No. 6,494,117, issuedDec. 17, 2002, U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0103131, published May 3, 2012.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cleat assembly comprising: a cleat body havingat least one coupling area; and at least one element configured to bemaintained within or disposed on the at least one coupling area; whereinthe at least one coupling area is positioned at a forward or rearwardend of the cleat body so that the at least one element can act as a camsurface against a portion of a bicycle pedal; and wherein the at leastone element is configured to rotate through 360 degrees.
 2. The cleatassembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one coupling area has at leastone recess formed thereon and wherein the at least one element is shapedto be received in the at least one recess.
 3. The cleat assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one element has a generally cylindricalshape.
 4. The cleat assembly of claim 3, wherein the generallycylindrical shape has a rounded top edge.
 5. The cleat assembly of claim1, wherein the at least one element is made of a non-metallic materialhaving a measure of hardness that is greater than hardened steel.
 6. Thecleat assembly of claim 5, wherein the non-metallic material comprisescarbide.
 7. The cleat assembly of claim 6, wherein the carbide isselected from the group consisting of silicon carbide, boron carbide,tungsten carbide, and titanium carbide.
 8. The cleat assembly of claim1, wherein the at least one element has a generally circular shape.
 9. Apedal and cleat assembly comprising: a pedal assembly comprising a pedalbody having a first end and a second end, a first retainer mountedproximate the first end of the pedal body, and a second retainer mountedproximate the second end of the pedal body; and a cleat assemblyconfigured to be releaseably coupled to the pedal assembly, the cleatassembly comprising a cleat body having at least one coupling area, andat least one element shaped to be maintained within or disposed on theat least one coupling area; wherein the at least one coupling area ispositioned at a forward or rearward end of the cleat body so that the atleast one element can act as a cam surface against the first or secondretainer; and wherein the at least one element is configured to rotatethrough 360 degrees.
 10. The pedal and cleat assembly of claim 9,wherein the at least one coupling area is at least one recess formed onthe cleat body.
 11. The pedal and cleat assembly of claim 9, wherein theat least one element has a generally cylindrical shape.
 12. The pedaland cleat assembly of claim 11, wherein the generally cylindrical shapehas a rounded top edge.
 13. The pedal and cleat assembly of claim 12,wherein the rounded top edge is the cam surface.
 14. The pedal and cleatassembly of claim 9, wherein the rotation of the at least one elementreduces friction between the cleat assembly and the pedal assembly asthe cleat assembly is released from the pedal assembly.
 15. The pedaland cleat assembly of claim 9, wherein the rotation of the at least oneelement facilitates pivoting the cleat body with respect to the pedalbody as the cleat assembly is released from the pedal assembly.
 16. Thepedal and cleat assembly of claim 9, wherein the at least one element ismade of a non-metallic material having a measure of hardness that isgreater than hardened steel.
 17. The pedal and cleat assembly of claim16, wherein the non-metallic material comprises carbide.
 18. The pedaland cleat assembly of claim 17, wherein the carbide is selected from thegroup consisting of silicon carbide, boron carbide, tungsten carbide,and titanium carbide.
 19. The cleat assembly of claim 9, wherein the atleast one element has a generally circular shape.
 20. A cleat assemblycomprising: a cleat body having at least one coupling area; and at leastone element configured to be maintained within or disposed on the atleast one coupling area; wherein the at least one coupling area ispositioned at a forward or rearward end of the cleat body so that the atleast one element can act as a cam surface against a portion of abicycle pedal; wherein the at least one element is configured to rotatethrough 360 degrees; and wherein the at least one element has agenerally cylindrical shape.
 21. The cleat assembly of claim 20, whereinthe generally cylindrical shape has a rounded top edge.
 22. A pedal andcleat assembly comprising: a pedal assembly comprising a pedal bodyhaving a first end and a second end, a first retainer mounted proximatethe first end of the pedal body, and a second retainer mounted proximatethe second end of the pedal body; and a cleat assembly configured to bereleaseably coupled to the pedal assembly, the cleat assembly comprisinga cleat body having at least one coupling area, and at least one elementshaped to be maintained within or disposed on the at least one couplingarea; wherein the at least one coupling area is positioned at a forwardor rearward end of the cleat body so that the at least one element canact as a cam surface against the first or second retainer; wherein theat least one element is configured to rotate through 360 degrees; andwherein the at least one element has a generally cylindrical shape. 23.The pedal and cleat assembly of claim 22, wherein the generallycylindrical shape has a rounded top edge.
 24. The pedal and cleatassembly of claim 23, wherein the rounded top edge is the cam surface.